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USA - California - Napa - Napa Valley

Bordeaux Blend

Producer Notes

Since its founding in 1972, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has been on the cutting edge of many California wine developments. From the Bordeaux-blend Insignia, first made in 1974 and Wine Spectator's wine of the year for the 2002 vintage; to the resurrection of California Syrah, also first produced in 1974, the winery has earned critical acclaim for its many estate-grown wines.

Community Tasting Notes
average score of 95 points based upon 16 reviews

Absolutely at its peak. I decanted this and the delicious ripe fruit aromas just enveloped me while I was pouring the wine. Gorgeous ripe black cherry and black raspberry fruit enhanced by flavors of kirsch and Christmas spices. Wonderfully complex with great depth. Silky smooth tannins with a rich yet well-balanced mouthfeel. Mature yet still good freshness. A deliciously long, flavorful finish. A very special wine.

Clar, translucent, dark Purple color. At first, the wine whiffed of earthiness, the fruits exploded from the glass. The oak seems to have disappeared inside the fruit. Mouutfilling dark berries, cassis, and coffee flavors. Very long finish. The complexity of the wine impressed everyone. The wine still seems to have many years ahead of it.

A very youthful translucent dark red color. Thick legs with light to moderate pigmentation. Candied cherry, some eucalyptus, and oak scents. Tannins are drying and slightly excessive. Very good acidity and fruit concentration. A fine wine but perhaps too much of a Bordeaux pretender than a proud Californian. 90% Cabernet; 7% Merlot; 3% Petite Verdot. Tasted from magnum.

WinePosts

A flawed bottle may be affected by cork taint, heat (maderized), oxidation, or excessive sulfur. Additionally, some people consider wines tainted by Brettanomyces (Brett), a non-spore forming genus of yeast, a flaw although there is much controversy surrounding the subject.

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